The mastery of language affords remarkable power.”
—Frantz Fanon
The following is an excerpt from the new E! program, “Mo’tel William’s Celebrity Interview,” with special guest, the Godfather of Soul, James Brown.
Mo’tel: Bruh James, Bill Cosby recently talked about black folk’s po’ speakin’ habits. What’s your opinion on what bruh Cosby said?
James Brown: Well, he had to tell the peepus what they needed to know. But look here, I spoke ebonics. I continue to speak ebonics, and I’m still the Godfather of Soul. In this day and time, however, black folk must realize that if they want to conduct bidness with Mr. Cholly, they must speak in a way that he can understand them. And if Mr. Cholly wants to deal with black folk, he should do the same. You hear some of the Caucasian kids keeping’ it real and soundin’ like black peepus. But you best believe they have sense to speak proper when they apply for a job. It’s all about good communication, baby. It’s about knowing who your audience is and when to say, “Shawty, whut yo’ name is?”
Mo’tel: With all that said, what else would you like to say to the peepus?
James Brown: Watch yo’ dangling participles!
Mo’tel: Yeah, that’s right, bruh! Ladies and gentlemenzez, If you’re somewhere with yo’ participle dangling, you need to put it away immediately and seek help. It’s plain nasty. And it’s indecent exposure.
My guest has been Soul Brother No. 1, James Brown.
Ken Stiggers is a television producer in Jackson
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The Mississippi Free Press produced this story through the MFP Solutions Lab, supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. This series digs into Mississippi’s systemic issues and sheds light on responses to them in other communities. Beyond just reporting on problems, these stories interrogate their causes and inspect potential solutions.